Where Do We Go From Here: A Candid Update

Happy Black History Month! I hope 2018 is off to a great start for you and your family!

Since I’m no longer on Facebook and I’m still getting the hang of Twitter, my dear hubby suggested that I try blogging every month to keep my readers updated on what’s going on with me and my books. So here we go! 😀

First things first, I want to offer a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who has purchased THE SWEDE, recommended the book to others, and taken the time to leave a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads. I have been gratified and humbled by the outpouring of love and support for THE SWEDE. It had been nearly two years since the publication of WICKED GAMES (the first book in the Denver Rebels series). Realistically, I knew I’d lost precious momentum by taking so long to release the second book. I knew many people were understandably frustrated with the delay, and some had probably moved on. So I lowered my expectations prior to releasing THE SWEDE. To my everlasting gratitude, the book has already become one of my top-earning releases of all time. Yay!!! I know many fans will always prefer WICKED GAMES, and I’m totally good with that. I think Reid and Nadia are pretty awesome, if I don’t say so myself. But Viggo and Scarlett have won their fair share of hearts, so I’m super grateful for that. 😀

A few years ago, I was seriously contemplating retiring from writing. I felt burned out. I felt like I was writing for everyone but myself. I was still striving to deliver quality books because I’m a perfectionist, and I think readers deserve my best. But I was slowly losing my joy for writing. It was becoming more of a chore than a pleasurable endeavor, and I absolutely hated feeling that way. Writing has always been my passion and my lifeblood, and I couldn’t imagine living without it. But something had to change. And then one day, Yvette Hines invited me to participate in the 12 Alphas 12 Months boxset she was coordinating. I was honored to be included in a collaboration with some of the most talented authors in the interracial romance genre, and it was just the creative diversion I needed. So I cranked out a novella about a sexy hockey player named Reid Holden, and a few months later, 12 Alphas 12 Months was released. Yvette’s brilliant marketing strategy, coupled with the enthusiastic support of readers, helped propel our boxset onto the USA Today bestseller list. After that, I turned my novella into a full-length book and published it in December 2015. WICKED GAMES was well received, and for the first time in a while, I was excited about writing again. Hallelujah!

Trusted friends, advisers, and agents told me to strike while the iron was hot and put out the second book ASAP. I was incredibly tempted to heed their advice, but I had already promised to release a few other books that readers were anticipating. So I put THE SWEDE on the back burner and worked on those other books. I wrote and published SPEECHLESS, a Naomi Chase prequel. It pretty much flopped. You could argue that most readers didn’t want a prequel, felt the book was too pricey, or simply didn’t enjoy the backstory. All of those reasons could be true. But the reality is that I can never recoup the many months I spent working on SPEECHLESS. With a daughter in college and a son almost out of high school, I simply don’t have the luxury of gambling on projects. So for now, I have to move on.

Which brings us to WHATEVER YOU NEED. It had previously been under contract with Harlequin, but they graciously released me from the contract when I was unable to deliver the book. In hindsight, I probably should have taken that opportunity to shelve the book and keep it moving. But I didn’t want to disappoint my fans, so I hunkered down and wrote WHATEVER YOU NEED: PART ONE, ending it on a juicy cliffhanger. I was happy with the story and looked forward to releasing the second installment (serialized novels are very common, and it was the exact same length as ANY WAY YOU WANT IT). Needless to say, I was unprepared for the vitriolic responses I received. I mean, I expected some grumbling about the cliffhanger ending, but…whoa. A lot of folks were really in their feelings, and the sales were disappointing. So that really sucked.

It was around the holidays, so I took a deep breath and decided to treat my loyal readers to a heartwarming Wolf Pack novella (even though the series was on hold). I chose to feature Marcus and Samara, the beloved couple that launched the series. It was just a short story to give Wolf Pack fans a chance to catch up with their favorite family. What could go wrong, right? Hoo boy! Once again, I was blindsided by the vicious responses to OH BABY. The negative backlash was truly disheartening, but it reinforced my decision to keep the Wolf Pack in hibernation until further notice. Folks, I love my Wolf Pack. They will always be near and dear to my heart. But I’m ready to spread my wings and explore new characters, families, settings, etc. Just as readers aren’t obligated to buy my books, I’m not obligated to write books I’m not feeling.

So let me just repeat myself: The Wolf Pack series is on hold until I feel inspired to write another book. I know this is disappointing to many readers, but I want to be completely upfront so that people aren’t waiting around for the next Wolf Pack novel and getting angry and frustrated. If you only enjoy my Wolf Pack series, I’ll understand if you decide to move on. Please feel free to unsubscribe from my newsletter and unfollow me on Twitter. There’s really no need to trash my upcoming books or drag me on social media. But, alas, I can’t control the behavior of grown adults. At the end of the day, I believe my true fans will always want the best for me, even if I’m not writing the novels they prefer.

For those who decide to stick with me, you’re in for some exciting reads. Right now I’m hard at work on Logan’s book, which will be released in the coming months. I’ve never been a fast writer, so I’ve learned my lesson about promising publication dates. But I’ll try my hardest to get Logan’s book out as soon as I can. I plan to release WHATEVER YOU NEED: PART TWO later this year, so please stay tuned. I’ve received plenty of emails about the Ecstasy Island series, so I definitely hope to return to St. Mirabelle someday (even though I haven’t earned much money from STAY WITH ME).

So what else is on the horizon for the Denver Rebels? After the series ends with Hunter’s book, there will be followup novellas chock full of fairy-tale weddings, babies, family vacations, and fun couples’ outings. Rest assured that all unresolved plot threads from THE SWEDE will be addressed in remaining books. I’m also considering an Off The Grid spinoff series featuring Scarlett’s bandmates. The first book will feature Traeger and Cara (yes, they are OTP). I’m already imagining them on a comical double date with Viggo and Scarlett. LOL. I would also love to write books for Viggo’s five siblings (especially Rikard and Svea). That would give me the perfect excuse to return to Sweden! 😉

2017 was challenging for me and my family, but it’s a brand new year and I’m feeling optimistic and rejuvenated. Hopefully I can channel this positive energy into writing great books!

I’ll be running a contest to give away autographed copies of WICKED GAMES and THE SWEDE, so please stay tuned for details.

Well, that’s my update for now. I promise the next blog post won’t be so freaking long! 😀

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76 Comments

Thanks for following up! Since The Swede has embedded images, it has to be specially formatted for iBooks and Kobo. I currently don’t have the software, so I have to pay someone to format the book for me. I’m waiting for them to clear their workload. Once they’re available, The Swede will be formatted and put on sale on iBooks and Kobo. I appreciate your patience!

It was great hearing from you, Miss Maureen. Looking forward to your next publication and email. Please don’t let your spoiled fans discourage you or annoy your muse. I appreciate that you don’t release a book every 30 days, creating cookie cutter, cut and paste series like certain writers. Write when the spirit moves your muse. You are extremely talented and blessed. Keep your hands in God’s hand and everything will be fine in His time. We / I will wait on Him and your Muse with patience and courage. As far as I personally contend, you have published pure literary GOLD.

I LOVED Wicked Games and was eagerly awaiting The Swede’s release and you did not disappoint. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for Logan and Hunter’s books and anything else you decide to bless us with. You keep writing and I’ll definitely keep reading. Fan for life!

I look forward to whatever book you release as well as reading your novel. Personally I thought “Oh Baby” was great. I wouldn’t worry with individuals who complain especially the ones who may not like some of your work. People are always going to complain, it doesn’t matter what you write. Even though I am a huge fan of the Wolf Pack series, I will patiently wait for the next installment. If you don’t write another installment, that’s good too.

Thanks so much for your kind words! And you are so right that people are always going to complain. I don’t read reviews, but someone told me that many readers were angry and disappointed because a Morehouse Nine member got engaged to a white woman, and it ruined the story for them. That’s really unfortunate, but they’re entitled to their feelings. You can’t please everyone. Anyway, I appreciate your continued support! 🙂

Hi Maureen! I’m so sorry 2017 wasn’t a good year for you. I’m even more sorry to hear about Speechless flopping. I hag no idea. I bought it on Kindle, but did you consider putting it out on Audible like the rest of the series? I don’t know how that works but maybe you’d reach a wider audience? I know I was waiting for an audio version as soon as I found out about it! Anyways, I hope 2018 is much better and a far more prosperous year for you!

Thanks for your kind words and well wishes, MizzSkully! I briefly considered putting Speechless on Audible, but given the length of the book (over 500 pages), it would be pretty expensive to do an Audible version. I’m reluctant to invest that kind of money in a book that hasn’t sold well in print or ebook. Thankfully, The Swede is doing well and 2018 is off to a great start, so I’m feeling very blessed! All the best to you and your family in 2018! 🙂

Love the update! Loved Speechless and Stay With Me! Couldn’t wait for the follow up to the Island series! I love all your books! You are a phenomenal writer, always keep me engaged! To my husband’s annoyance, lol. Keep doing you!

Thank you so much for your generous words, Angelique! I’m so glad you loved Speechless and Stay With Me! The overall feedback I received was positive, so that was really nice. Please tell your husband I’m sorry for distracting you! LOL! 😀

I am disappointed anout the Wolfpack, but only because I was looking forward to the Morehouse 9. I am a fan of your writing, so I will continue to support and purchase your books. So glad you found your hApPy! As a Creative Writing teacher, I do understand the need to connect with uour characters and storyline.

Great to hear from you Maureen! Hate to hear about your struggles, but I’m glad you’re getting back into the groove of things. I miss the Wolf Pack, but I’m still a fan. I always look forward to your book releases. Speechless was an amazing book! IDK why people were hating on you! SMH. Please don’t give up on your talent. I think you’re great at what you do and can’t wait to read your next book. And I hope you come out with at least one more Naomi Chase book. There were little cliff hangers at the end of Speechless. God Bless you! Can’t wait for your next blog!

Thanks so much for your generous feedback, JaLese! Glad you enjoyed Speechless! I love the Exposed series, and the first three books did really well with the publisher. I don’t know. Maybe I should have just stopped after Betrayal. As much as I would love to tackle Ultimatum, I can’t take the financial risk. (A similar thing happened to a few author friends with similar series, so I’m definitely not alone. The market is unpredictable.) Anyway, thanks for your continued support, JaLese! 😀

Also, where can I find 12 Alphas 12 Months??? I didn’t know you wrote a novella about Reid and Nadia! Is there a different story line??? I looked on Amazon, but they didn’t have copies. Where can I go to download it on my Kindle App???

12 Alphas 12 Months was only on sale for a limited time. It’s no longer available. Once it was taken off sale, all the authors turned their novellas into full-length books. Wicked Games had the same story line. The novella ended at the chapter where Reid and Nadia reconciled. 🙂

Mrs. Smith. I admire your honesty and straightforwardness. I am glad you found your enjoyment of writing again. I would truly have been said had you retired. It is sad that some people don’t understand the difference between provided feedback and being mean. You do you and I cannot wait for Logan’s story.

Thank you so much for your kind words, Toni! I always try to keep it one hundred, no matter what. Yes, the Denver Rebels series has given me life, and I’m so thankful for that. 🙂 Yeah, it definitely seems that civility has gone by the wayside. I don’t know if this is caused by social media, or if it’s just a sign of the times. As an author, I know everyone won’t love every book I write. That’s only natural. I can handle constructive criticism. But I’m baffled by excessively rude, hostile, and vicious commentary. I always think to myself: “Wow! It’s not that serious, is it?” LOL. Anyway, thanks for all your support!

I’d probably try to tackle novels for Ryder Holden, as well as Rikard and Svea Sandstrom because those are the siblings who intrigued me the most. As a writer, I personally prefer to limit series to just four books. Because no matter how hard you work on the second, third, and fourth books, most people’s favorite will always be the first book. So I already know I’m going to be hearing #TeamWickedGames for the rest of the series. LOL.

Thank you so much for your post. Don’t listen to all those haters who would not be able to accomplish an ounce of your hard work. I love your writing style and your novels, and will take anything you throw our way. You’re so talented and to me the real tragedy would be you stopping to write all together. Please keep up the blogging, I’m not on Twitter or Facebook, so I keep up with you here 🙂

Thank you so much for your kind words, Mimi! You are much appreciated! Yes, I’m definitely going to try to blog more regularly (even if I don’t have much to say, lol). Facebook became a bit too much for me. Let’s see if I can manage this blogging thingy. Hope you’re doing well and enjoying 2018 so far! 😀

I love your books, it’s funny how I got started reading your novels, the first one was Romancing the Doctor part of the Hopewell General hospital series, anyway after that I searched for your books. I love all the books, couldn’t wait for Viggo and Scarlett story. I have to say I was surprised how Scarlett was more of a risk taker than Nadia…
I liked the story Oh Baby, it was great because you were able to update everyone’s live in that story. I know it’s hard to do, you know my favorites are Manning and Taylor. So this is one fan that is appreciative of your work…people have to understand that you have a life as well. Be encouraged and I look forward to whatever is next on the horizon.

Thanks so much for your kind words, Brenda! I’m glad you’re still enjoying my books! Yeah, Scarlett and Nadia were totally different characters with different personalities. Plus Scarlett was in a rock band, so I think she had less inhibitions than Nadia. Manning and Taylor are also my favorite, so we have that in common. 😉 I appreciate your continued support!

Hi! Am reading The Swede now. Am loving it. Sorry about negative comments from others about some of your books. People can sometimes be so cruel and not realize or don’t care that words can hurt. I think you are a wonderful author. Please keep writing, but more importantly take care of what makes you happy and whole.

Thank you so much for your kind words, Yvonne! They are much appreciated! I can handle constructive criticism, but vicious attacks + poor sales can definitely make an author rethink devoting time to a certain book/series. Anyway, I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of The Swede! 😀

Hello,
I am a BIG FAN and habe been for many years. I have just about all of your books except the Naomi Chase. You are a great author. I love the mystery ones as well. I’ll be honest I have been waiting on the follow up for Whatever you need. I remember when it was supposed to be published then the change. I was SCREAMING NOOOOOOOOOO.. When it did come out I was like OOOOOOOWEEEEEEEE. I loved it. I can understand being discouraged by the comments. PLEASE KNOW this: You are great! You are great! You are great! PLEASE keep it coming. Much love.
–Jessica

Awww, thank you so much for your encouraging words, Jessica! Much appreciated! I’m glad you loved Whatever You Need. I don’t want to leave readers hanging indefinitely, so I plan to release Part 2 later this year. Hope you’ll enjoy it!

Hi Maureen
I discovered your books over 8 years ago, and can I say it truly was a pleasure to read your writing. As time went along your books have definitely kept me on my toes. Others that I just didn’t get into but that was ok.

I don’t usually reach out to authors. However, after reading your blog I felt I had to say something. Your truly write amazing pieces, from the wolf pack series to more recently wicked games and the Swede. All your work have been good pieces to read. I just never realized the backlash you have received over the years. I remember when people were anticipating the release of seducing the wolf and something similar happened then too. I feel for you.

All I will say is, stay true to your heart. Write what you feel is right. You don’t have to please others, your work is your work as long as you are happy with what u produce. I am just grateful to be able to read your work. I truly look forward to your releases and I understand that if I have to wait, I will, no matter how frustrating it can be. These books are worth waiting for. It took me over 3 months after reading wicked Games to be able to read another book. Such a great piece that I kept reading it over and over again. The same goes for the Swede.
Take care and keep writing, wishing you all the best for 2018.

Awww! Thank you sooo much for your wonderful feedback, Priya! I really appreciate everything you wrote, and I’m so glad you reached out to me! I’m thrilled that you’ve been enjoying my books. As a writer, I understand that everyone won’t love every book I write. That’s totally to be expected. And I definitely wasn’t trying to garner sympathy with my blog post. I just wanted to share my heart and let people know why I have decided to focus on writing books that make me happy. The Denver Rebels are making me very happy right now, so I have no complaints. 😀 I truly appreciate your support, and I hope you will enjoy the rest of the series. Thanks again for weighing in!

Thank you for this blog! It’s good hearing from you. You take all the time you need, you don’t rush greatness. Glad to hear there will be more of sexy Viggo and his family❤!! I’m so happy that you have found your joy again!!

Thank you sooo much, Tamika! I truly appreciate your kind, beautiful words! I’m in a good place creatively, so all is well. Yasss, I definitely have to share more of Viggo and his Swedish family. I also hope to do a story on Ryder Holden, because I love him too! 😉 Thanks again for reaching out, Tamika!

Hi Maureen, I’m glad to hear from you Sorry you were not having a good time writing, and so glad u didn’t give it up. Although my heart is broken regarding the Wolf Pack, it will not keep me from reading you. The Swede was awesome! And I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. Keep up the great work. Just know you are appreciated

I have thoroughly enjoyed every book you have written. I have read The Swede A few times. I love Viggo and Scarlett’s chemistry. It was amazballs☺. I can’t wait for any book you publish because I’m a life long fan and I have yet to be disappointed. Continue to use the gift God had blessed you tremendously with.

Thank you for starting this blog and sharing your updates and feelings with us.

I’m one of your newer fans, I suppose since i first came across your books last year. Thus far I have only read your Denver Rebels series and I loved both books. Your writing is exquisite and your characterisation of your characters is simply mouth-watering. For months I have not been able to get Hunter out of my mind. I often catch myself laughing when i think about him & his book has yet to come. It perfectly highlights how much depth even the side characters have. You sure as hell do not water down any of your characters, which is a breath of fresh air.

I was touched deeply by your candor and honesty. A page i follow on Facebook put the link of your blog up and i read and just had to respond. I even paused episode 9 of the lastest episode of Vikings to type this comment. You’re worth the pause. (Btw, a thousand thanks for the references you made to the show in The Swede. I was smiling and giggling like a girl reading every reference.)

I hope you continue to soar and succeed with every book you publish. Your fans will stand by you and i look forward to reading your other work.

Ignore the haters and just latch on to the joy God has blessed you with.

Du er sej og talentfuld!

*Backflips out of blog to resume Vikings & ponder on ways to murder Ivar*

Hi Samira! Great to hear from a new fan! I’m so glad you’ve discovered my books! Thank you sooo much for your incredibly generous feedback. And what you wrote about Hunter has me smiling and chuckling. Ooh, you’re a Vikings fan too? Isn’t it an awesome show? I’m totally addicted! I have a love-hate relationship with Ivar. He’s wicked to the bone, but I sympathize with his plight and his evil scheming is irresistibly delicious! LOL! I can’t wait for the show to come back. I’m on pins and needles! Anyway, thanks again for pausing your viewing to share your kind thoughts with me. I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of the Denver Rebels series! 😀

I can’t wait to read Logan’s story. I’m glad you will be doing a follow up story after Hunter’s story. It will be nice to see who has babies. I understand if you are not feeling The Wolf Pack Series. I’ll wait until you do. I’ve enjoyed reading Wicked Games and The Swede. I enjoy reading stories that are crossover, paranormal or African American Romance. I love them all. So when you are ready, as you stated above, your true fans will still be here. Take the reviews with a grain of salt. It’s no different then a manager giving an employee feedback. We might not always like what are managers say, however, we decide how we choose to deal with the situation. Life’s too short to all reviews to discourage you from writing. Keep up the good work. I’ll be waiting.

Thank you so much, Michelle! I really appreciate your feedback, and I’m so glad you’re looking forward to more books from me. Yay! You are absolutely right about taking reviews with a grain of salt. I appreciate them and I’m very grateful that people take the time to write them. But I had to stop reading them several years ago for my own mental well-being (author friends like to keep me updated on how many reviews I have, sales ranking, etc). In my blog entry, I was specifically referring to the vitriolic emails I received. Constructive criticism is absolutely fine. But flooding my inbox with verbal abuse is unacceptable and frankly disturbing. If I shared some of the nasty messages I receive, most people would be appalled. I mean, we’re talking about books here. It’s just not that serious. Anyway, thanks again for your kind words and continued support! 🙂

I’m sorry to hear about the vitriolic emails. I was not aware of those. I’m sorry that happen. People can be cruel. I’m glad that you are still writing. I’ve enjoyed many of your books. Please keep them coming. Your true fans will always be here for you. Take care

I am extremely happy that You are to a great 2018. While wicked games initially stole my heart I am truly all team Viggo and Scarlett! I think that they just took over first spot from Manning and Taylor!

Please don’t ever let anyone small mindedness minimize your greatness. You are truly talented and I look forward to reading about Hunter and Logan and especially part two or whatever you need.

Yay! I’m positively thrilled that you loved the Exposed series! I really appreciate your support! Will I be releasing any more Naomi Chase books? *pulls up sales report for Speechless, shakes head and sighs, then comes back to blog page* Uh…maybe after both of my kids graduate from college, I can revisit the Exposed series. Until then, I can’t afford to work on projects that aren’t profitable. 🙁

Happy New Year!!
So, glad you found your happiness. I loved loved The Swede. I’m not going to say how many times I have read that book (it’s just so embarrassing) haha. Really looking forward to all the other stories. I do have to say. I enjoyed Stay With Me as well. Honey, you can write!!

Aww, thank you so much, Phyllis! I’m so glad you loved The Swede! It was a humongous book, so major props to you for the repeat reads! 😀 Glad you also enjoyed Stay With Me. I can’t wait to dive back into the mermaid folklore. I appreciate your continued support!

I stumbled upon your books a couple of years ago and must say that I’ve enjoyed every one of them that I have read. I am particularly fond of the Wolf Pack (all of them including Oh Baby) and the Denver Rebels series. I find myself searching your web page to see if you have released any new books.

I am looking forward to your next installment of the Denver Rebels series and if you ever decide to revisit the Wolf Pack, I will be just as excited. I am also eager to read Part 2 of Whatever You Need.

I reread your books often just because I love the characters. I find them refreshing.

I am a huge fan of your books! I loved Wicked Games, but I must say that The Swede is definitely a close second, if not equal to it. I really enjoyed the relationships of both couples and the supporting characters and I’m looking forward to reading Logan’s book when it becomes available!

I’ve read every book in the Wolf Pack series and I really enjoyed catching up with them all in Oh Baby. I’m also looking forward to Whatever You Need: Part Two.

Please don’t allow people who feel they can be rude or say anything they want because they’re online, affect who you are and the great books you produce. Stay true to yourself. If you write it and believe in it, those of us that enjoy and respect your work will continue to read it! All the best in 2018!

I understand …2017 was hard year for me & my family also. Please don’t ever let a few hinder your greatness. You are talented and YOU have so many more fans that love you & your work. Please don’t allow people who feel they can be rude or say anything they want because they’re online, affect who you are. Stay true to yourself. If you write it and believe in it, those of us that enjoy and respect your work will continue to read it!
We look forward to your next book…Whenever YOU are ready….

Hello Maureen,
Thanks for the update. I have been looking for you to see where you were and where you are going next. I love reading your books and am looking forward to whatever is next.

The thing I learned long ago is that at you can’t please every one. Haters will be haters no matter you put out. There will always be something for them to complain about. Unfortunately it is what makes them tick. You have to do what is best for you. Your true fans will wait. We are glad you got your mojo back. 2018 sounds like it will be productive, just take care of you while taking care of us.

While I love the WolfPack series, I understand your choice. I loved Wicked Games and The Swede. I think I was a Viggo junkie…lol! I lost count of how many times I read it before I put it down. Lol! Hunter really caught my interest. There are certain things about his character that says “Dom” with a capital D. Then I saw it mentioned as a possibility. Is he? For some reason I can picture him with Nadia’s cousin with the issues…lol!

I also loved Stay with Me and am also looking forward to Sylvain and Dakota’s story, but I do understand that it may be a while. I am a patient person. I can read a good book over and over. You write them so they are never boring no matter many times you read them.

Maureen I am so happy to hear from you. I do missy being on fb and available to your fans that truly love you and your work but I understand some of the backlash that you received pushed u away. Nonetheless you are still hands down my favorite author next to Brenda Jackson. I think I own ever book published except for may 1 or 2. You are rruly talented and I am happy that you have gotten your mojo for writing back. I liked Speechless because I got the backstory and as a result I bought the online and hard copy. I love to revisit Naomi Chase. I love the Denver Rebels series and can’t wait for the next story. And lastly the cliffhanger left me stunned and speechless but waiting with baited breath to see how it ends.

So shake the haters off and continue to do what’s in your best interest and your true fans will be there to hit buy every time. Love you much and happy writin.

Hi Maureen
I am, like the others who have commented before me glad that you have regained your joy in your craft. You are without question one of my favorite authors, I have read almost all of your books- even romantic suspense (which I typically Do Not Enjoy;) and have yet to read one of yours that I didn’t enjoy. I will admit that I didn’t read the Wolf Pack novella based on the negative comments, which I feel bad about now considering how talented a writer you are.
Thanks for your openness about your struggles and mindset regarding recent books. I am a lover of the Wolf Pack (Manning & Taylor are my all time faves), but honestly I would tell you that my preference would be to read more about the Brand clan than the Morehouse nine if you are going to delve back into Black family sagas:) I like a good interracial romance but I have a definite preference for stories about Black love in its many forms, something you excel at.
Anyway I just wanted to say keep doing what you’re doing and brush off the haters because you are a PHENOMENAL writer my sister and we who are your true fans will continue to wait for what you put out, secure in the knowledge that it will be a quality product worth the cost and time spent reading it.

Happy New Year!! I am one of your biggest Fan . I’ve truly missed you. I love that you have put out this blog out. I absolutely and positively Love everything that you write, but You and your Family come first. Take your time ,,, We’ll just wait until you are ready.

Thank you so much for this update Mrs. Smith! You have a gift and you are right to do what is healthy for you when that gift feels like a chore. I don’t care what people say, you have to like (if not LOVE) what you are doing if you are going to be great at it.

As for the ‘haters’ we live in a world where some of us do not reflect on what we type before we hit the send button. So what doesn’t kill, will fatten.

I am excited for you and I am one of your readers who will wait for you. When we stop trying to please too many people we breathe a lot easier. You do you!

I’m enjoying the Denver Rebel series and am happy that you are considering the stories of the other Sandstrom siblings. I love all of these Denver Rebels characters from the Warners, the Holdens, the Sandstroms even the puck bunny “villains”.

Maureen Thank you so much for the blog , I love the wolf pack but am more than happy to wait until they tickle your fancy again. I love plenty of your other books as well so you just continue to push them out . I think a spin off for Off the grid would be great and books for Viggo’s siblings but you do what works for you and I will continue to support ! Anxiously waiting for Whatever You Need Part Two !! Happy Writing and I am glad you found your Happy !!

Mrs. Smith
I am sorry, you had to endure that type of negativity If, youdon’t like the book, no need to trash and be disrespectful.. I mean you win some, you lose some.. I’m for part two of Brand series, and fantasy series, im ready to go back to the island.. Keep your head up, and do you!!

Thank you for this update❤️! And pffffft, forget than haters. Love your books, although I have not read any of The Wolf Pack series ( will be adding them to my TBR list) and just started Stay With Me. I’m glad that you didn’t give it all up. Looking forward to reading more from you❤️❤️

Maureen, it was great to hear from you. I could feel your disappointment and anger when you signed off FB. I was upset that you let others dictate how you connect with your readers, but understood that your mental health was the most important need at the time. I loved the Morehouse 9 update, but am in love with the Denver Rebels. I’ve read them both a few times and kept them downloaded for easy access. The only thing I require from my favorite authors is that they stay in communication with the readers..regardless of the medium. I love the newsletters or blogs more than social media because it’s all about information from you, in detail. I don’t need dates, but timeframes of new releases to be on 5he look out for. Thank you for connecting with us. You’re diehard fans will always support you and help you in any way.

Keep doing what you do, your a great author and I love all of your books. I’m pretty impatient my self, but I can wait for one of your books because they are always worth the wait. Never mind the naysayers they’ll get over it, keep on doing you.

I think as readers we can tell when an author is going through some rough times. I am a huge fan of yours so I sensed your recent absence is due to some personal struggles. I have read many of your books, if not all, and I must say the recent ones excluding The Swede, was different. I liked them, but not love them and love is my favorite word to describe your books. I just could not get into the flow of them as much as I would have loved. I think a part of that is due to the stress you have been feeling and that resonated in your writing. It is hard to continue doing something after setbacks. I hope you pick yourself back up to your amazing high notes again. The Swede was a step in the right direction. I absolutely loved it. Take your time rediscovering your passion for writing, I will always be here for your new books.